you're just imagining it

About

"You're Just Imagining It" is a simulation game that depicts the experience of living with chronic pain and the struggle to get a diagnosis. Players must manage their stressful schedule and endure dismissive doctors, all while trying to maintain some semblance of a normal life. The game features a minimalist soundtrack and can be completed in around 30 minutes. Please note, this game is not meant to be medical advice.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

99%

Audience ScoreBased on 302 reviews

story4 positive mentions

grinding2 negative mentions

The game provides a raw and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by those with chronic illnesses, resonating deeply with players who have similar experiences.
Its simple yet effective art style and sound design enhance the emotional impact of the story, making it a memorable experience.
Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke empathy and raise awareness about the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, encouraging more understanding and compassion.

Many players feel that the game lacks traditional gameplay elements, describing it more as an interactive experience than a game, which may not appeal to everyone.
Some found the gameplay frustrating due to the lack of meaningful choices, leading to a feeling of helplessness that mirrors real-life experiences with chronic illness.
The game's short length and repetitive nature may leave some players wanting more depth and variety in the storytelling.

story
44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
84%
7%
The game's story is a poignant and relatable exploration of the struggles faced by chronically ill individuals in navigating the healthcare system, resonating deeply with players who have experienced similar challenges. While it is a short and simple narrative, its emotional weight and personal connection make it a powerful experience, albeit one that may be too depressing for some. Overall, it is highly recommended for those interested in impactful, story-driven games that reflect real-life tribulations.
- “Such a well-executed story.”
- “This story brought a lot of emotion, seeing how this is the actual reality with the healthcare system.”
- “Short story game shedding light on the struggle chronically ill people often go through to get a diagnosis.”
- “It's a short but very tragic story.”
- “The story is very depressing and the interactions with the doctors hit the nail on the head.”
- “This is a story based on real-life tribulations, and it can be uncomfortable, but my diagnosis is that it's a story worth telling.”
graphics
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
58%
12%
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming and cute art style that resonates well with its themes, providing a cozy visual experience. While some players appreciate the simplicity and emotional depth conveyed through the visuals, others find the unassuming graphics somewhat frustrating over time. Overall, the art style is praised for its ability to enhance the game's message and emotional impact.
- “I love the art style.”
- “The graphics are cute and give the game a lot of style.”
- “The art style is also pleasing and nice to look at.”
- “- The visuals and sound design are simple and unassuming; frankly, even that simplicity began to piss me off by the end of it.”
- “The art style is cute, and that is truly what saved my screen from being punched through.”
- “The graphics are pretty cozy, but overall the game talks about how hard it is to get a diagnosis when no one is believing your problems.”
emotional
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game evokes strong emotional responses, particularly among players with chronic illnesses, as it poignantly reflects their experiences with healthcare and the challenges of managing symptoms. Many users reported feeling seen and understood, leading to tears and a sense of catharsis, highlighting the game's ability to resonate deeply with real-life struggles. Its heartfelt narrative and simplicity contribute to its impactful emotional weight.
- “I cried at the end, because I could understand the relief of the person in the game.”
- “As a person with an unspecified chronic illness, it finally made me feel seen; it perfectly reflects how most doctors react when faced with a person with rare diseases and how tiring managing symptoms can be.”
- “I suffer with chronic illness, and this game made me feel just a bit more seen; and it was comforting in that way.”
gameplay
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
67%
17%
The gameplay is characterized by its simplistic mechanics and visual novel style, focusing on stat management where players choose between working or resting, reflecting the struggles of living with chronic illness. Despite its brevity (15-20 minutes) and lack of complex mechanics, the game effectively conveys emotional depth and real-life issues, providing a cathartic experience for players. The combination of relatable themes and a memorable soundtrack enhances the overall impact of the gameplay.
- “A very interesting way of showing the awful nightmare of having a chronic illness and not being taken seriously; I truly felt infuriated during my entire gameplay time. It's so well-made.”
- “Simple gameplay with real-life issues - do I push through feeling awful and having pain to go to work and make money for bills and the doctor, or rest?”
- “I like the combination of the typical visual novel-style gameplay with managing your stats.”
- “The medication tab mentioned keeping track of how you're feeling, but it's not an actual mechanic.”
- “A stat management simulator with simple mechanics: you pick between either working or resting for a week, and then between working, resting, playing, or seeing a doctor on the weekend.”
- “Simple gameplay with real life issues - do I push through feeling awful and having pain to go to work and make money for bills and the doctor, or rest?”
music
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The music in the game is described as simple yet lovely, perfectly complementing the overall theme. Reviewers highlight a memorable soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience, with a recommendation to purchase it.
- “The art style and music are really simple but quite lovely, fitting perfectly for the theme.”
- “The gameplay is sufficient with a memorable music track.”
- “And buy the soundtrack.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is praised for its sharp, acid humor, which resonates well with players looking for a comedic experience. Reviewers appreciate the lightheartedness and wit, indicating that the humor is a standout feature.
- “This game has acid humor at its best, lmao.”
- “(Please don't take this seriously, it's not criticism; I'm just trying to be funny.)”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be both charming and efficient, effectively illustrating the often tedious journey toward achieving a goal, such as obtaining a diagnosis.